I know the Rangers remain formidable, and the Angels have certainly upgraded, but I thought the Tigers chances of winning the pennant were the best of any American League team. I'm not so sure anymore because the Yankees acquired Michael Pineda from Seattle. I know Pineda struggled the second half of last season, and the Yankees gave up excellent prospects in Jesus Montero and Hector Noesi in the deal, but Pineda's upside is extremely high. And he will likely make a big improvement this season. Coupled with signing of Hiroki Kuroda, it gives the Yankees a starting rotation that could be very strong. Pineda is capable of becoming baseball's next great pitcher.
It gives added importance to the Tigers signing a capable fifth starter to begin the season, add bullpen depth and pull the right trigger on a major deal, if not during the remainder of the off-season, at some point before the trade deadline.